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Story
December 10, 1910
The Daily Missoulian
Missoula, Missoula County, Montana
What is this article about?
Washington Supreme Court overturns Peter Miller's burglary conviction in Seattle due to allegations of police brutality and coerced confessions, criticizing the use of 'third degree' methods.
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WASHINGTON SUPREME COURT SCORES THE USE OF THE "THIRD DEGREE."
Seattle, Wash., Dec. 9--The state supreme court set aside today the conviction in the King county superior court of Peter Miller, a highly educated man, who was tried for burglary a year ago and whose sensational allegations of police brutality started the agitation against the police department which has never subsided.
Miller, who conducted his own defense with much skill, refused to give his true name, but denied he had a criminal record. His conviction was obtained, he alleged, by the use of confessions by himself and an alleged accomplice, made to escape torture. The court takes up the allegations of Miller that jail officers, police, detectives and prosecuting attorney abused and threatened him, and says the record "plainly indicates that the sacred rights of citizenship had been invaded by officers of the jail and the police and detective departments."
"Neither jailers, the police, nor detectives are clothed in this country with inquisitorial power," says the court, which adds "that while some of the laws of Spain have been grafted on this country, the dungeon, bludgeon and burning faggots have not."
Seattle, Wash., Dec. 9--The state supreme court set aside today the conviction in the King county superior court of Peter Miller, a highly educated man, who was tried for burglary a year ago and whose sensational allegations of police brutality started the agitation against the police department which has never subsided.
Miller, who conducted his own defense with much skill, refused to give his true name, but denied he had a criminal record. His conviction was obtained, he alleged, by the use of confessions by himself and an alleged accomplice, made to escape torture. The court takes up the allegations of Miller that jail officers, police, detectives and prosecuting attorney abused and threatened him, and says the record "plainly indicates that the sacred rights of citizenship had been invaded by officers of the jail and the police and detective departments."
"Neither jailers, the police, nor detectives are clothed in this country with inquisitorial power," says the court, which adds "that while some of the laws of Spain have been grafted on this country, the dungeon, bludgeon and burning faggots have not."
What sub-type of article is it?
Crime Story
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Justice
Crime Punishment
What keywords are associated?
Supreme Court Decision
Police Brutality
Third Degree
Burglary Trial
Coerced Confession
Peter Miller
What entities or persons were involved?
Peter Miller
Where did it happen?
Seattle, Wash.
Story Details
Key Persons
Peter Miller
Location
Seattle, Wash.
Event Date
Dec. 9
Story Details
The Washington Supreme Court sets aside Peter Miller's burglary conviction obtained through coerced confessions and police brutality, criticizing the invasion of citizenship rights by law enforcement.